Brickstone Cleveland adds wood-fire fare, live entertainment to Gateway area

Brickstone's wood-fired oven blazes brightly near the restaurant's main entrance, off East 9th Street at Bolivar in Cleveland's Gateway area.Courtesy, Rick Serio

Every appropriate space in downtown Cleveland that lands a solid restaurant signifies a success for the city.

So let's chalk up another win for the Best Location in the Nation. Brickstone, across from Progressive Field (on East Ninth Street at Bolivar Road) takes has taken up residence where former occupants GoodFellers, Local Heroes and Cooper'stown once drew crowds.

A crew of seasoned local hospitality professionals are at the helm. Restaurateur Rick Serio, whose old dining spot Serio's on the Square was a longtime destination in Twinsburg, leads the organization. He's partnered with general manager Phil Switz (Catered Elegance and Angie's Rib Wagon), who is also bringing his full-service catering operation to downtown. Joe Sluscarczyk, who previously worked with Serio, heads up the kitchen as executive chef.

"The Indians are great and so are the Cavs, but we're aiming to create our own draw and destination here in Gateway," says Serio.

To do so, the partners have freshened the old space -- two expansive new bars, new stone facing, sidewalk seating and other visual flourishes -- and fired up a beautiful brick oven. From it they'll serve their signature wood-fired pizzas (including a very tasty barbecued chicken version made with sugary caramelized onions, smoked cheddar and aged provolone with a lively scattering of fresh cilantro) and daily specials. Burgers, ribs, salads and pastas round out the menu.

They've also included a new live-music venue, Club Brickstone. "We're especially excited by the music side," Serio said, showing a guest the expansive new digs. The new bar area seats 150, with another 160 in the main room and outdoor seating for 40 more.

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